About us
**The Appalachian Mountain Club's Connecticut Chapter organizes about 1,000 hikes, bike rides, mountaineering and other events each year. Most of these do not appear in this Meetup. To get details of all of our events and to join our email lists please go to [www.CT-AMC.org](http://www.CT-AMC.org)** The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) promotes the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Appalachian region. AMC is the nation’s oldest outdoor recreation and conservation organization. The CT Chapter of AMC is a statewide organization that has something for everyone who loves to explore the outdoors, for beginners or experts. We offer hiking, kayaking, cycling, trail building and maintenance and land conservation activities throughout the year. So, what sets us apart? • Trained leaders means our activities are organized, everyone stays together as a group assisting each other as needed and we follow certain safety protocols. • Group activities are open to everyone (so long as you meet the fitness and equipment requirements). Events listed as Young Members are designed for members ages 20-40 but all AMC events are open to all ages. This Meetup group is sponsored by members of the AMC Connecticut Chapter. For additional information about AMC, the CT Chapter and the activities we-sponsor, please visit [www.ct-amc.org](http://www.ct-amc.org). Thru the year, we offer more than 1000 activities. All current activities are listed on our website for each activity committee. For example, current hiking activities including skiing and snowshoeing are shown on the [chapter website](http://www.ct-amc.org/excursions/HikeListings.shtm). The AMC web site ([www.outdoors.org](http://www.outdoors.org/)) has further information about the main club including lodging, adventure travel, and more. Just a reminder that only AMC-approved leaders may lead activities that will be listed on this site. We can allow others to co-lead activities with an approved leader. If you are interested in becoming an approved leader, the next leader training is always shown [on our website](http://ct-amc.org/Education/index.shtm). **Please note:** Some events are marked "Registration Required". An RSVP here does **not** satisfy this requirement. Registration requires direct contact with the event leader, either by email or phone. \ [](http://ct-amc.org/Education/index.shtm)
Upcoming events
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MAINE LIGHTHOUSE CYCLING WEEKEND (SO,FL/RL,CUE/RG,12-14) 25 to 100 MILES
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Biking | Road
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Leo Pon
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000000zs3V
Audience: EveryoneDescription: This weekend adventure offers a wonderful opportunity to tour and cycle through some of the most scenic locations of Southern Maine. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, meet new people, and have fun!
We will meet on Friday, September 18, 2026 in Portland, Maine, and enjoy a Portland Harbor Cruise followed by a group dinner. Our hotel is La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham Portland.
The Maine Lighthouse Ride on Saturday, September 19, is a big, rolling celebration of cycling in Maine, and early fall along the Maine coast is always something to celebrate. True to its name, MLR highlights the breathtaking views of coastal southern Maine, including multiple lighthouses, rolling terrain, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Scarborough Marsh.
MLR offers four routes to challenge riders of all abilities – 25 miles, 40 miles, 62 miles, and 100 miles! All routes begin and end at the beautiful oceanfront campus of Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) in South Portland.
Routes are marked, with maps and cue sheets available to download and print. Rest stops are set up along the routes.
(Class 1 and 2 E-bikes are allowed!)
The post-ride celebration at CMCC includes entertainment, a meal and two complimentary beers.
After the ride, you are free to spend more time exploring Portland or drive up to Freeport and the LL Bean outlet. Dinner is on your own this night.
On Sunday, September 20, we will drive north to explore the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens with over 300 acres of beautiful gardens and natural spaces (and guarded by giant trolls...).
https://www.mainegardens.org/gardens/gardens-key-features/
$650 per person, double occupancy
Included: Hotel DO x 2 nights, breakfast x 2, hotel parking, in-room bike storage, Portland Harbor Cruise, Friday night group dinner, post-ride celebration, admission to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.
Not Included: Maine Lighthouse Ride registration ($150) https://www.easterntrail.org/maine-lighthouse-ride/Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
SLEEPING GIANT - Red Diamond, Hexagon, and Triangle Trails with the Nature
Sleeping Giant State Park, 200 Mount Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT, USActivity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 5 - Vigorous
Trip Leader(s): Mary Anne Hardy
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP (and follow ALL the steps to register): https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001GefF
Audience: EveryoneDescription: Joint hike of the Sleeping Giant Park Association (SGPA) and the CT chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). A 7+ mile loop with 1000 feet of elevation covering the Red Diamond, Hexagon, and Triangle Trails. It will also cover a small part of the Blue Trail and the whole Nature Trail.
We will meet at the Mt. Carmel Avenue main entrance of Sleeping Giant at 8:30 AM and start the hike promptly at 8:45 AM. (Be ready to start hiking at 8:45, incorporate extra time BEFORE for restroom stop). Steady rain cancels. Please note that the trails at Sleeping Giant can be very rocky with some scrambling parts (both up & down). Sturdy hiking shoes with good grippy soles are a must. We plan to hike at a rigorous pace for the terrain (2+ mph) and these trails have terrain footing with some challenging rocky sections. Bring water and snacks/lunch. No dogs. LEADER Mary Anne Hardy hardy.bujalski@gmail.com cell (203) 376-8791 (text preferred or call before 8 PM.
You can access trail maps at this link: https://sgpa.org/trails-maps/ (both pdf and GPS-enabled maps)
Note: This is hike #4 in the Giant Master hike challenge. You don’t have to be participating in the challenge to attend this hike. If you are interested in the challenge - check out this link: https://sgpa.org/giant-master/ . I’ve put together six hikes in total to complete all the trails.
If you are doing the challenge, here is the information for your Giant Master Log: Today’s hike completes the Red Diamond, Hexagon, and Triangle trails, the Blue trail in section I and the Nature Trail. If you are doing the challenge, here is the information for your Giant Master Log: Today’s hike completes both the red circle and square trails. Email me (hardy.bujalski@gmail.com) if you want the "key" to the giant master log showing what each hike covers.Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
Just joining on meet-up does not register you for the hike.1 attendee
20s & 30s Bear Mountain Trail at Mount Riga State Park
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Lee Thao
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001FL6n
Audience: 20’s & 30’sDescription: Join us for a true classic in the Northwest Hills: a scenic loop up Bear Mountain in Mount Riga State Park! 🌄🔥 We’ll kick things off along the lower approaches, working our way up toward the famous Appalachian Trail and the rocky, rewarding climb to the summit. Standing as the highest mountain peak in Connecticut, Bear Mountain rewards our efforts with incredible panoramic views stretching across the tri-state area, featuring the historic stone monument at the top. After soaking in the scenery, we’ll loop back through peaceful, wooded sections and shaded fern-lined paths to complete the circuit. This route is roughly 6.2 miles with ~1,686 ft of gain — rugged, rewarding, and packed with quintessential Berkshire-foothill views. 🎒 What to Bring 3+ liters of water 💧 Snacks to keep you fueled 🥨 Layers — the summit and open ridges can get quite breezy! 🌬️ Sturdy and waterproof hiking boots (rocky terrain underfoot) 🥾 Hiking poles (recommended for stability on the rocky sections) 🥢 🅿️ Parking Information Exact parking and meeting location will be emailed to confirm participants. No Parking fee. 🍻 Post-Hike Social After the hike, we’ll head over to the Black Rabbit Bar & Grille in nearby Lakeville (an 8-minute drive) to keep the social going! A local favorite known for its fantastic food, great drinks, and welcoming atmosphere. 📧 Next Steps for Participants Confirmed participants will receive: Weather updates A Google Sheet for optional carpooling Exact meeting location 🔗 Helpful Links Mount Riga State Park: https://ctvisit.com/listings/mount-riga-state-park Connecticut Trail Finder: https://www.cttrailfinder.com/trails/trail/mount-riga-state-park Bear Mountain Map Trail: https://ct-amc.org/wp-content/uploads/BearMtnMap-rotated.jpg AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/connecticut/bear-mountain-trail
Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
1 attendeeLongo Farm Open Space
Location not specified yetActivity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Jeannine Loughlin
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX000001HSfF
Audience: AdultsDescription: Explore a former dairy farm, now town owned property that has rolling terrain, open fields, woodlands, small streams and views. Although generally considered an easy hike due to its short length, (2-3 miles) portions of the trail have steeper, rocky grades which could be considered moderate by some participants. This activity is suitable for those who want to enjoy a shorter but comprehensive hiking experience and for anyone new to hiking who wish to build up their skills. Please wear sturdy hiking footwear, bring poles, a liter of water, snacks, personal care items and the 10 essentials.
Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!
Past events
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